Favorite Schools

Favorite Teams

Army Col. John Lemondes returns home to run for Congress against Rep. Dan Maffei

2014-02-04-mg-lemondes2.JPG

Retired Army Col. John Lemondes has moved back to Central New York to seek the Republican designation in the race for the 24th Congressional District seat. Until recently, he was in charge of the Army's chemical weapons disposal program.
(Michelle Gabel | mgabel@syracuse.com)

He directed the industrial operations of four plants across the United States, with several thousand employees. The project had an annual operating budget of about $1 billion.

Asked why he wanted to run for Congress, Lemondes said, "The bottom line is I felt my experience, skill and desire was better used helping my home and my state. I felt I did all I could do for my country."

He added, "It really boils down to the fact that I had done everything in the military that I had set out to do. We could have gone anywhere (in retirement). We had lots of opportunities. But we wanted to come back here to make a difference."

Lemondes said he wants to focus on improving the sluggish economy in Central New York and across Upstate New York.

"I am one that if I see a problem, I try to fix it and not complain about it," Lemondes said, adding that the economy will be the focus of his campaign. "It's jobs and the economy. That's really the central issue."

He has already impressed some of the Republican committee members in the 24th District, and confirmed he is among four candidates invited back for a second interview by GOP leaders in Cayuga County.

But the political newcomer will have to try to stand out in a crowded field seeking the Republican designation.

GOP leaders say they would like to choose a candidate by the end of the month. Candidates can start passing petitions March 4 to gain a spot on the ballot.

Lemondes said his unique combination of experience sets him apart from the other candidates.

"It's simple leadership," he said. "I have been in jobs that required me to be collaborative...and bring stakeholders with different opinions into the same room and figure out a way forward. My experience is unique. You don't see too many guys with industrial backgrounds who have a farm."

Lemondes said he moved back to Onondaga County with his family in October with the intent of running for Congress after his military retirement.

The graduate of Liverpool High School (1983) and Pennsylvania State University (1987) has a degree in agricultural science.

He has a graduate degree from the Eisenhower School for National Resource Strategy, formerly The Industrial College of The Armed Forces. He also has an MBA and master's in public administration from Syracuse University.

While in graduate school in 1996, he worked briefly as a fellow for the House International Relations Committee and in the office of former Rep. James Walsh, R-Onondaga.

Lemondes said his military awards include two Legions of Merit and a Bronze Star. He served in all tiers of the Army, including direct combat and combat support units.